Bill Gates Tells Congress He Never Stood by Epstein

Sat Jun 13 2026 13:38:32 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Bill Gates says he cut ties with Epstein when fundraising stalled and insists there was no personal relationship.|

When a closed‑door House Oversight hearing unfolded this week, Bill Gates told lawmakers he did not have a personal relationship with the disgraced financier. He said Epstein had pushed for a friendship but Gates never reciprocated. Gates added he withdrew links after realizing Epstein could not deliver on promised donations. The testimony underscores the wider inquiry into powerful figures who interacted with Epstein and highlights how quickly fundraising plans fell apart. The hearing also exposed unsettling rumors about Gates’ private life, which he denied.

Bill Gates told a House Oversight committee on Wednesday that he never had a personal relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, and he cut ties with the convicted sex offender once he couldn’t secure the promised fundraising for his foundation.

The billionaire said Epstein wanted a friendship but Gates “was never interested in that” and never reciprocated. Gates added he hoped the survivors of Epstein’s crimes “can get the justice that they deserve.”

He also recalled how Epstein used stories of Gates’ private affairs to try to pressure him into re‑engaging. Gates denounced the idea that he ever helped Epstein with any under‑age or illegal activities, insisting he was fully unaware of any wrongdoing.

The hearing cleared the way for other high‑profile figures—such as former President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton—to be questioned. Gates’ testimony added to the mounting evidence that Epstein collected a “friend network” to project power and influence.